7 ways to get rid of gifts you don't want while helping others

I recently read that a survey found some 56 percent of Americans admit getting at least one unwanted gift over the holidays.

The not-so-completely surprising statistic from finder.com means there is a lot of brand new stuff sitting around out there that could be used by people other than the original recipients.

So, if you happen to be one of the recipients, I say purge — and keep those gifts from gathering dust in your closet, basement or dresser drawer.

Of course you could sell some of the items on eBay or at a yard sale, or regift them, but here are some other, more generous ways to unload the unwanteds, and do some good at the same time.

Here are some other, more generous ways to unload unwanted items or gifts, and do some good at the same time.(Photo: Getty Images / Fuse)

A great example is new personal care items such as lotion, hair products and other toiletries. Just because you may not particularly like them, there are many organizations that serve the homeless or people in transition that welcome these. So hand 'em over!

Here are some other ideas:

Silent auctions

With just about every charity in town hosting at least one silent auction each year, many organizations are begging for "good stuff" to put in these auctions. Ask your favorite charities if they want what you have, whether it is clothing, wine, books, candles or even home decor, art or small furniture.

Penny Anderson at St. Luke's Community House says, “The work we do with seniors goes further than just a hot meal or an activity. We aim to enrich their lives, make them all feel valued, and provide excitement and anticipation. Having prizes to give out during our activities like Bingo gives a senior the chance to experience a thrill while preserving their limited resources.”

Games and toys and puzzles and books and sports equipment for young people are desired by many of the agencies and centers that provide day care, or after-school care to children. New children's clothing would also be a boon at some of these programs.

Programs for the homeless

Warm sweaters or coats, scarves, hats, gloves and socks are always welcome at Room in the Inn, Safe Haven and at many of the churches that help support programs for the homeless. Books and crossword puzzles and Sudoku and such are also welcome.

Hospital programs

Hospital Hospitality House and Ronald McDonald House are happy to receive items that would be treats for their overnight guests: unopened boxes of candy and other packaged goodies, like coffee, cookies, etc. that you may have received as part of your Christmas cheer.

Thrift Stores

Almost every nonprofit thrift store likes to get new merchandise that it can sell to help fund its programs. Goodwill, ThriftSmart, Samaritan Center, GraceWorks, This 'n That, Noah's Closet and more all love to get desirable merchandise to sell.

And you get a tax deduction, too, as thanks for your generosity.

Host a swap party

We did this several years ago, where guests each brought several things they had received and didn't want or need.

We called it a "winter doldrums party" and put all of the unwanteds (wine, a lamp, books, a candle, some candy, etc.) on the dining room table and drew numbers to pick a present.

The leftovers were donated to a thrift shop. It was fun, and I think everybody went home with something they liked better than what they brought for the swap.

All of these options are better than having a bunch of usable stuff sitting around taking up space and doing no one any good.

Stay cheap!

Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282 or mscheap@tennessean.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/mscheap, and at Tennessean.com/mscheap, and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5’s “Talk of the Town.”